DATE/TIME: February 1, 2024 at 12:45 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 496 - Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, VC 10855 - Vehicle Embezzlement
LOCATION: 12600 block of Douglas St, Yucaipa
SUSPECT(S): Christopher Harms, 41 year-old Yucaipa resident
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: Over the past several months, deputies have taken several reports where victims were trying to recover their vehicles from Christopher Harms at his residence. Allegedly, Harms was operating as an unlicensed/unapproved mechanic out of his residence. According to multiple victims, Harms would not complete the mechanical work but refused to allow the victim's to retrieve their vehicles. Allegedly, Harms kept some victim's vehicles for more than one year.
On February 1, 2024, deputies from the Yucaipa Sheriff's Station and police officers from the multi-agency San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT) served a search warrant at Harms' residence. San Bernardino County Animal Control and Yucaipa Code Enforcement provided assistance to the deputies. During the service of the search warrant, a previously reported stolen vehicle was recovered along with 14 embezzled vehicles.
Harms was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and vehicle emblezzlement and was booked at Central Detention Center. Harms bail was set at $30,000 and he was later released on bail bond.
This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Herrera of the Yucaipa Station at (909) 918-2305 or make a report with the Yucaipa Sheriff's Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
Refer: Deputy Herrera
Station: Yucaipa Station
Phone No. (909) 918-2305
Case No. 142400403
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
